Stance and swing. Stance begins when one heel strikes the ground, and it lasts for the entire period during
which that foot stays grounded. Hence, it is a weight bearing phase. Swing is instead the interval between the lifting of that foot’s toes off the floor and the time the heel of the same foot strikes the ground again. Since during this period the foot is airborne, “swing” is a non–weight-bearing phase. Stance and swing make up a stride, which corresponds to the interval between the time one heel hits the floor until it strikes it again. Note that for 20–25% of the gait cycle the stance of the two legs overlaps, insofar as both feet are on the ground (double-limb support).
which that foot stays grounded. Hence, it is a weight bearing phase. Swing is instead the interval between the lifting of that foot’s toes off the floor and the time the heel of the same foot strikes the ground again. Since during this period the foot is airborne, “swing” is a non–weight-bearing phase. Stance and swing make up a stride, which corresponds to the interval between the time one heel hits the floor until it strikes it again. Note that for 20–25% of the gait cycle the stance of the two legs overlaps, insofar as both feet are on the ground (double-limb support).